These funny snaps captured the moment when a wild impala got a head massage from an oxpecker - and pulled some seriously funny faces.

The photos, taken in South Africa's Kruger National Park, show the impala twisting and turning its as the talented oxpecker works its magic. Zoologist and wildlife photographer Mogens Trolle, from Denmark, snapped the incredible moment earlier this year.

He said: 'I've never seen anything like it! 'The way the impala was reacting was so funny - he seemed to be really enjoying it. 'Everyone who was there was laughing - the faces he pulled were absolutely hysterical.'

Mr Trolle, 46, and says he was amazed to see human characteristics in the impala's behaviour. Mr Trolle said: 'It really cheered me up! Yes, it was a hilarious moment but it was great to see animals interacting as humans do.

'The pictures look great and I'm really proud looking back at them.'

The red-billed oxpecker is a common sight on the plains of sub-Saharan Africa, where they often spend their day perched on large wild mammals.Source